How to Ask for Help a Software Engineer

There's no shame in asking for help. It's not a sign of weakness, but rather a recognition that you don't know something. Unfortunately, junior developers often feel embarrassed to seek assistance from more experienced software engineers.

It's perfectly normal to ask colleagues for help, as we all work towards the company's goals, and the team's success depends on everyone's contribution. However, knowing how to ask for help effectively is crucial.

1. Clearly formulate the question

You don't need a scientific degree to become a programmer, but you do need to think critically. Programming is an intellectual pursuit, and if you struggle to articulate your thoughts in your native language, remember that there are other career paths available.

If your language skills are fine, but you still can't formulate a clear question, consider whether it's too early to ask. Without a clear understanding of your problem, even if an experienced colleague answers, you may not grasp the solution.

You will be more likely to get an answer to your question if you follow the steps below when writing your question:

• What am I trying to do and what is the problem?
• How have I tried to solve the problem?
• What exactly is not working the way I need it to?
• What have I accomplished in solving the problem?
• The question itself.

2. Try to solve the issue on your own

Consulting a more experienced programmer should be your last resort. Before reaching out for help, make a genuine effort to solve the problem on your own. This might involve debugging your code, researching online, or experimenting with different approaches. When you do ask for help, be prepared to explain what you've already tried. This demonstrates your commitment to problem-solving and helps the person helping you understand your thought process.

Only if you can't find a solution should you reach out to another programmer.

3. Ask specific questions, not general ones

Avoid general questions like "How do I write a WordPress plugin?" or "How do I create a Twitter client for iPhone?" Such queries are better suited for Google, which is accustomed to handling them.

Instead, ask specific questions such as "Why doesn't this method in this class return the expected result?" or "Why does this function in the Twitter API consistently return an error?" This way, an experienced developer can examine the code and identify what you're doing wrong.

4. Ask for advice, not help

Remember, no one will do the work for you. Avoid phrases like "Maybe I'll give you access, and you can do it quickly..." or "Could you finish this function for me? I can't figure it out." Such requests will likely get you blacklisted. Experienced software engineers are willing to offer advice, but they won't complete your tasks for you.

Additional tips:

Keep your questions short and to the point?

When asking for help, be concise and specific. Long, rambling questions can be confusing and time-consuming for the person you're asking. Focus on the core issue and provide only the necessary context. This shows respect for the other person's hours and makes it easier for them to provide a targeted reply.

Learn from the answers and apply them to future problems?

Every time you receive help, treat it as a learning opportunity. Don't just copy-paste solutions; understand the underlying principles and reasoning. This way, you'll be better equipped to handle similar issues in the future. Create a personal knowledge base or journal where you can document these learnings for future reference.

Be open to feedback and willing to change your approach?

When receiving help, be receptive to constructive criticism. Sometimes, the problem might be in your overall approach rather than just a specific line of code. Be willing to reconsider your methods and adapt based on the advice you receive. This flexibility is crucial for growth as a developer.

Record the solutions for future reference?

Don't rely solely on memory. Document the solutions you receive, along with the context of the problem. This could be in the form of code comments, a personal wiki, or a note-taking app. Having a searchable record of past solutions can save you time in the future and reduce the need to ask repeat questions.

Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand something?

If an explanation or solution isn't clear to you, it's okay to ask for further clarification. It's better to fully understand the answer than to pretend you do and potentially make the same mistake again. Ask follow-up questions or request examples if needed. Most experienced developers would prefer to ensure you truly understand the solution.

Respect other people's time and expertise?

Remember that when you ask for help, you're often interrupting someone else's work. Be mindful of this and try to time your questions appropriately. If possible, batch your questions together instead of asking many small questions throughout the day. Also, consider the experience level of the person you're asking – make sure you're directing your question to someone who is likely to have the relevant knowledge.

Follow up with the results and express gratitude for the help?

After receiving help and implementing a solution, let the person know how it worked out. This closure is important for several reasons: it confirms whether the problem was solved, allows for any necessary adjustments, and shows appreciation for their time and effort. A simple "Thank you, it worked!" can go a long way in maintaining good relationships with your coworkers.

What to do if no one can help

Even after using all of the above methods, you may not find a solution. In that case, choose one of the following ways:

• Keep digging. Sometimes you are working on something new and under-researched, and you need more time to explore that area.
• Revise your approach.? What happens is that instead of using a commonly accepted solution, you invent your own. Perhaps you should go back and take a different approach to the task at hand.

Remember, everyone was once a beginner, and most developers are happy to help if you approach them respectfully and show genuine effort in solving your own problems. By following these guidelines, you'll become a more effective communicator and a better software engineer overall.